Alleged N438m Contract Scam: CCB Invites Interior Minister, Tunji-Ojo

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to allegations that his business was complicit in a N438 million contract scam at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The CCB has scheduled the Minister’s appearance for Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the CCB Headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

The invitation, signed by CCB Director of Investigation and Monitoring, Gwimi S.P., on behalf of CCB Chairman, Murtala Aliyu, cites the Bureau’s mandate and powers as outlined in the Third Schedule, Part 1, 3(e) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The letter addressed to the Minister reads: “The Bureau is investigating a case of alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in which your name featured prominently.

“Consequently, you are invited for an interview scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Time: 1100 hrs prompt. Venue: CCB Headquarters on the 5th floor, Annex III, Phase I, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja.

“This invitation is pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the Third Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 3(e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. Please be properly guided.”

Persecondnews recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently invited the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to the Presidential Villa over the alleged award of a consultancy contract of N438 million by the embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, to a company Mr. Tunji-Ojo has an interest in.

The consultancy contract, Persecondnews gathered, was for the National Social Register for the disbursement of the funds to the vulnerable across the country.

It was believed to have been awarded to New Planet Projects Ltd., of which Mr. Tunji-Ojo is a beneficial owner.

Edu was suspended from office by President Tinubu on January 8, 2023, for the alleged diversion of N585 million meant for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states into a private account.